So, as stated in the title I just got a MINI as sort of a graduation present to myself. '03, 77xxx miles, R53. I know basic maintenance on vehicles and am competent enough to dive a little deeper when needed, so I was wondering what maintenance and service looked like on these vehicles. Should I take it into the dealer and have it checked out? Or can I be confident that with regular maintenance this vehicle will get me from point A to point B on a consistent basis (and have fun doing it!) I'm not exactly strapped for cash right now, but I am on a pretty strict budget until graduation, which is why I'm hesitant to take it to a dealer and say "here, do what should be done." Any help/suggestions/insight would be greatly appreciated!

 

I'd take it to the dealer and have them check it over to see what may need doing on it. There's no reason you have to let them do it. Have them make a list of what they find and tell them you'll schedule the actual maintenance bit by bit later when you can afford it. This way you get your car checked out and can decide if there are things wrong you can do yourself or if there is something major about to fail on you. Then again, I'm always paranoid about used cars.

 

Used Bentley Book and do the easy maint. yourself. Find a good independent service shop in your area for bigger jobs.

 

If you are in SoCal, I can always help as long as you are local.

 

Nope, South Central Pa... nearest MINI dealer is in Towson, that's why I'm trying to minimize the work/driving

 

Pick up a Bentley Manual. Also you can search here when something goes wrong. My throttle body went out and I mistakingly took it to an independent shop, mainly because I was out of town. I could have used AAA to tow my car back to SD but I didn't. Long/short of it is I spent $880 fixing something that could have cost me less than $300 in parts. There was a detailed how-to here on NAM how to change the throttle body. Lesson leanred the hard way.

 

Definitely have it inspected (probably should have before purchase, but alas, when we find our "mate", we can't wait), but don't do it at the dealer. Find a reputable German repair shop in your area and have them inspect it, an inspection should run around $150. That way you have a starting point to know what's going on with your car.

Once you know it's all good, then proceed with modifications. If it's just a daily driver, recommend the 17% pulley upgrade as first mod. Biggest bang for buck, and more smiles per gallon =)

Also, what the other poster said, buy a Bentley, best $80-90 you'll spend, and do as much as you can yourself.